James Edward Keough

Jim was born in New Britain, Connecticut to John and Dorothy Keough and grew up there as a child surrounded by extended family. His immediate family later moved to Manchester, Connecticut and he graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartford, Connecticut in 1962. He then completed his undergraduate degree in Geology at Boston College, graduating in 1966. He then enrolled at Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas. He received his Juris Doctor Degree there in 1969. He was selected as a member of the Order of the Coif and was the Leading Articles Editor at the Southwestern Law Journal.

Upon graduating from law school, he began work as an attorney at the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington D.C. In July 1970, he married his wife Nancy, who graduated from SMU Law School one year after Jim.

In January 1971, Jim reported for active duty as a Judge Advocate Officer in the US Army. In August 1971, Nancy joined him on Active Duty as a Judge Advocate Officer in the Army. They both served together in Vietnam from 1972 to 1973. While serving on active duty, Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star.

In early 1973, Jim had the distinction of serving as an appointed military member of the Joint Services Military Commission which implemented the Paris Peace Accords. Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim completed his active military duty at Fort Ord, California.

Jim was a “techie geek” who mastered all things computer related and delighted in producing personalized gifts such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, and miscellaneous items to the delight of the recipients.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years Nancy, son Timothy, daughter-in-law Marcie, granddaughter Mary Grace, daughter Meaghan Jadoon, son-in-law Omar Jadoon, grandsons Sean and Cameron, sister Rosalie Ando, brother-in-law Louis Ando and nephews Michael and James Ando and their families.

Funeral Mass will take place at the Carmel Mission Basilica on November 17, 2026 at 10 AM. Military burial will be at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue in Pacific Grove, California or a charity of their choice.